High in thin cold air
The sky is no limit when your bank balance is big enough.
By David Hayes
Relish the chance to go where mankind once only dreamed of going - Mudgee
Paragliding or hang gliding
Make like a bird and float on the whim of the winds. Hang gliders use rigid-framed winged gliders while paragliders use a canopy which is inflated by air. Hang gliders travel at much faster speeds than paragliders but both offer a fresh perspective on the city.
Sydney Paragliding (02 4294 9065 www.sydneyparagliding.com). From $195. Soar along the magnificent Illawarra escarpment on a 30 minute introductory flight to the sport that makes fools of sane men.
Sydney Hang Gliding Centre (02 4294 4294 www.hanggliding.com.au). Weekday $195; weekend $220. Bookings essential. Based in Stanwell Park, lucky hang gliders may have the opportunity to share the skies with a white-breasted sea eagle.
Hot Air Ballooning
A bunch of operators run early morning flights out of Sydney. And for an extra fee you can enjoy a champagne breakfast when you return to earth.
Cloud 9 Old Government House Parramatta Park, Pitt and Macquarie Sts, Parramatta 2150 (1300 555 711 www.cloud9balloonflights.com). Weekdays $265 pp; weekends & public holidays $295 pp. hot breakfast $25. 5am–6am. Bookings essential. This well-established company runs regular trips in Sydney’s west. The entire experience takes about four hours including breakfast at the conclusion of the flight. Trips are also available in the Hunter Valley.
Balloon Aloft Camden Airport, Macquarie Grove Rd, Camden 2570 (1800 028 568 www.balloonaloft.com). Adult weekdays $255pp, weekends & public holidays $295pp; child always $185pp; breakfast $15–$25. 5am. Bookings essential. Float on the breeze above Sydney’s south-west with views of the Blue Mountains and the ocean.
Helicopter tours
If you think you know Sydney inside out, why not experience the harbour city from a different angle? Chopper tours don’t come cheap but the view and the experience is unrivaled. Hop to the chop’ and pretend you’re a bird or Dick Smith… or something.
Sydney By Helicopter Across Sydney (02 9317 3402 www.sydneyhelitours.com.au). Daily. From $169. Bookings essential. Sydney Helitours run a range of tours from a short but spectacular ride over city icons such as the Harbour Bridge and Taronga Zoo, to longer jaunts over the Blue Mountains National Park or the Hunter Valley with gourmet lunch included.
Blue Sky Helicopters (02 9700 7888 www.blueskyhelicopters.com.au). Daily, From $190 Bookings essential. Sample the high life on a 15 minute helitour or splash out on a 7 hour $1450 tour including flights over the Northern Beaches and Hawkesbury, a three course meal and wine tasting.
Skydiving
Is the city slog getting you down?
Challenge your body and reawaken your senses by jumping out of an airplane. There are countless skydiving operators in Sydney who would welcome the chance to throw you out of a plane cruising at 14,000 feet. With parachutes of course.
Sydney Skydivers (1800 805 997 www.sydneyskydivers.com.au). Daily. From $275 pp. Operating out of Bankstown Airport, Sydney Skydivers offers jumps with great views from the beach to the Blueys.
Simply Skydive (02 9223 8444 www.simplyskydive.com.au). Daily. From $325. Why not try the ‘Lover Leap’, a $875 per couple package including a night at Hotel Panthers.
Skydiving the Beach (1300 663 634 www.skydivethebeach.com.au). Weekday $275, weekend $329. Bookings essential. Based in the Gong, this operator runs airborne adventures over the ocean with choice views over the Royal National Park and the south coast.